Braz. political sci. rev.2026;20(2):e0004.
The Origins of Democracy in Latin America: What’s New?
DOI: 10.1590/1981-3821202600020004
Abstract
The recent concern with the crisis of democracy has overshadowed interest among political scientists in the study of democratization processes that unfolded during the nineteenth century. ‘The Birth of Democracy in South America’ revisits and advances the discussion of this period, with particular attention to Latin America. Drawing on extensive research based on primary sources, the book breaks new ground by combining distinct explanatory approaches centered on military strength and political competition. Taken together, these contributions renew debates about democratization and its causes in Latin America.
The Origins of Democracy in Latin America: What’s New?
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